Common Pests Found in Sydney

By Dependable Pest Control|November 30, 2016

Household pests are a fact of life in Sydney, even if you keep your home spick and span at all times. As we move towards warmer summer temperatures, many of you will notice an increase in pest activity.Here are some of the common pests you might encounter in the Sydney region.Rats and MiceSmall rodents can become a serious problem if left unchecked. Not only do they ruin food and carry diseases, but they can actually cause electrical fires by eating through the insulation of household cables and wires. Rats can be even worse. They can be very noisy if they are nesting in your walls and also very smelly. Rats and mice need to be eliminated through the use of bait or traps.Termites (White Ants)Termites are another serious problem because they can damage the structural integrity of your house. You’ll notice piles of mud or wood dust wherever they are active. Termite colonies need to be treated immediately by a licensed professional. The longer you leave it, the more expensive the process will be. Be careful to avoid disturbing them because that may cause a setback in treatment.CockroachesCockroaches are very hardy insects that can survive in difficult conditions so they are especially difficult to get rid of. Cockroaches can live and breed almost anywhere, from inside wall cavities, roof spaces, and even under the house. Typically, they are most active at night (they tend to feed while you are sleeping), but on very warm evenings it’s not uncommon to see them out early. It’s best to deal with them before they get a chance to establish a population.FleasFleas are another type of insect that you need to deal with before they get established. They thrive in the warm, humid conditions of Australia. Fleas are often introduced to the home by pets and can quickly spread to humans. You’ll be in no doubt if you have these pests in your home as either you or your animals will have small bite marks on the skin which cause itching and irritation.WaspsWhile wasps are an important insect species in the ecosystem, they can be a nuisance if their nests are located on your property. Their aggressive defense of their nests make them particularly dangerous to small children. Professional removal is the safest option.PossumsBecause possums have lost much of their natural habitat, it’s not uncommon for them to adopt your house as their new home. They cause extensive damage to trees, rose bushes and vegetation and can be noisy at night. However, because they are a protected species, you are required to have a permit to remove them so it’s usually more convenient to get a professional to help you.Spiders (Redbacks)Spiders are not usually a recurring problem, but they can be present during all twelve months of the year. Common redbacks are venomous and their bites may require prompt medical treatment for animals, children or adults. Redbacks often hide in or under objects left outside the home.AntsSome ants are relatively harmless in their outdoor setting, but once they move inside your home they quickly become a nuisance. Serious infestations should be treated using bait.Fabric Pests (Silverfish, Moths, and Beetles)Some insects, like silverfish, moths and beetles, eat clothing made of natural fibres (e.g. wool and cotton). Left unchecked, they can destroy all of your clothes. Moths and beetles prefer to feast on keratin, a natural protein found in wool, whereas silverfish are known for eating cotton. Prevention is the best way of dealing with them. You should regularly check clothes in your wardrobe, especially ones you don’t use often.Do you need advice?This post was proudly brought to you by the team at Dependable Pest Control a company with 30 years of industry experience, fully accredited with The Australian Pest Controllers Association. We provide residential and commercial pest elimination services in Sydney and offer free quotations.